For Non-profits

In our mission to create lasting change in the lives of North Texans, we find, fund, and partner with the most effective local organizations that create real opportunities and get real results. Do you want to be one of them? If you meet the eligibility criteria outlined below, we invite you to apply to receive a UWMD grant!

We offer several different types of grants. Grant applicants must first determine if they should apply for a grant from our Community Impact Fund or Social Innovation Fund. Unsure? Here’s a quick test:

Does your program have a history of impactful results in the community? Then you most likely need to apply for a grant from the Community Impact Fund.

If your organization or program is in start-up mode or piloting a new innovative program, you should check out our Social Innovation Fund.

When in doubt, take a look at the information below regarding both types of grants and eligibility requirements, and don’t hesitate to contact us to explore your options! You can also sign up for the United News, to stay up to date each week about events, activities and community resources.

For grants from our Community Impact Fund, you must also meet financial criteria including: a complete annual independent audit, an annual tax return (990/990EZ), an active Board of Directors, and an IRS determination letter verifying non-profit status

For grants from our Social Innovation Fund, you will also need to meet fund-specific criteria

*A review of the stewardship documents will be completed by UWMD staff and a committee of volunteer CPA’s in order to ensure the organization’s financial health.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Our volunteer-led Community Grant Panels spend approximately 140 hours going over each grant proposal to identify the local programs that align with our strategies and goals to create the most lasting impact in our community.

*UWMD offers optional draft review services where we review draft proposals, and give edits and feedback to help the agencies submit a more successful program proposal. A draft review, however, does not guarantee funding.

BEST INVESTMENT CRITERIA

When reviewing proposals, panel members use the following Best Investment criteria to determine which programs clearly demonstrate:

Alignment: Connection between program goals, UWMD Strategy Panel metric(s), and the ten-year Impact Area goal

Impact: Effectiveness of programming as reflected by evaluation efforts and outcomes

Resources: Access to the resources (staff, experience, financial, etc) to successfully implement the program

The grant approval process also includes vetting committee reviews, strategy panel proposal evaluations, and site visits, followed by funding recommendations, approval, and monitoring.